Trinidad & Tobago Welcomes New Cohort of Child Rights Ambassadors
UNICEF and OPM support training and activation of young activists to champion causes on behalf of their peers and communities
2 February 2024 - Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – Twenty-six young people in Trinidad and Tobago have pledged to champion the cause of their peers and communities as Child Rights Ambassadors.
The sixth cohort of ambassadors under the division of Gender and Child Affairs were official enrolled during a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister's St Clair Office. The exciting initiative, supported by UNICEF, empowers young people to become advocates for their rights and champions for their communities.
The ceremony, hosted by former Child Rights Ambassadors and National Awardees Ronia Swan and Malique Auguste, saw 26 secondary school students receive their official pins and awards. The young leaders completed intensive training on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, along with skills in drama and creative design, equipping them to effectively raise awareness and advocate for their peers.
Building a brighter future
UNICEF Child Protection Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), Bertrand Moses, encouraged the new ambassadors to continue their advocacy and pursue their dreams. He highlighted the crucial role they play in building a better future for themselves and their communities.
Permanent Secretary (A.g) of the Gender and Child Affairs Division and guest speaker Vijay Gangapersad, emphasised the importance of supporting children's rights. He urged parents, teachers, and staff to "do what is right with all their power" for the future generation and prepare them for success.
The ceremony also acknowledged the outstanding efforts of five individual ambassadors through three special awards:
- Child Advocate Award: Jessica Cardinas, Jayda Ramjattan, and Addalia Sylvester – Recognising top academic performance.
- Community Service Award: Aisha Ali – For organizing a fundraiser to improve accessibility and inclusivity at a place of worship.
- Resilience Award: Sidara Akallo – Demonstrating unwavering spirit in the face of personal challenges.
A legacy of empowerment
With the addition of this new cohort, the CRA programme has now commissioned a total of 382 Child Rights Ambassadors in Trinidad and Tobago. Each ambassador plays a vital role in raising awareness about children's rights, promoting positive change, and inspiring their peers to stand up for what they believe in.
UNICEF remains committed to supporting initiatives like the CRA programme that empower young people to become active participants in their communities and advocates for their own well-being. We celebrate the achievements of these young leaders and look forward to their continued contributions to building a brighter future for all children in Trinidad and Tobago.
